that's how katie rolls

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Leftover Corn Chips? Crust some fish!

Hey all! Here's what cooking dinner looks like when it's produced by MTV!

Below are the pertinent deets on how to make this yummy and nutritious meal.

Fallen chip soldiers.

Yummy fish crust!

Ingredients:
FISH:
Corn chip crumbs (I used several bottom-of-the bag leftovers)- crushed in a food processor or with a rolling pin over the bag.
Taco Seasoning from TJ's (gluten free, nice and spicy!), which you'll mix into your crumbs. Do this based on your spice preference level. Mine is HIGH.
Thin white fish filets (I used Dover Sole)
2 whisked eggs

Lime, sliced.

KALE:
Bag of Kale (obviously. . .)
Garlic (chopped if you don't have a garlic press)
Olive oil
1/4 cup water or broth

QUINOA:
Lightly salted water!
Quinoa!

Basic directions:

Preheat oven to 400.
Boil water for quinoa (2:1 water:quinoa), then put your quinoa into the water. Complex.
Dry your fish, then dip in egg, coat in crumbs, and place on a parchment paper covered baking sheet.
Put the fish in your preheated oven, set a timer for 12 minutes (might take up to 14).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet, press in your garlic and give it a swirl.
Add your kale, stir, add 1/4 cup water and a lid.
Once your quinoa is nice and fluffy, and the timer goes off for your fish, turn off your burners and the oven, plate up your food (make it look nice!) and squeeze some lime over our fish. And. . . EAT!

This recipe is gluten and dairy free! Enjoy!

Monday, February 3, 2014

So Fresh and So. . .Corny?

Simple ingredients = simple food.

This raw corn salad is one of my favorite meals. When I found these tasty Udi's Gluten Free Tortillas after eating at the Udi's Cafe at Sundance 2014, I knew immediately what my first lunch would be with them. Raw corn is one of my favorite veggies-- it digests more easily than cooked corn and it is infinitely sweeter and more crunchy.

OK, so how to? Here we go:

Corn, Tomato and Avocado Salad:

Raw Corn, 1 cob, kernels removed
1 medium tomato, diced
Avocado, 1/2 fruit (yes, it's a fruit!) cubed
Herbs/Spices (I used Trader Joe's 21 Spice Salute)
Salt, to taste

You'll also need: Tortillas, like the Udi's ones, your favorite shredded cheese, sour cream, and some greens.

Slice your avocado across both
ways, then use a large spoon
to scoop along the skin.

Assuming you've chopped all your veggies, let's combine them all in a bowl, shall we? Add your herbs and spices-- if I had fresh on hand that would include roughly chopped cilantro, basil and a crap ton (technical measurement term) of freshly cracked black pepper. Now, salt to taste (this means we get to taste, which I love most!). Now-- this is what I'd add, having tasted it. A little squeeze of some kind of fresh citrus, probably lime. With the rich taste of the tortillas and the cheese, it really does need just a touch of acid.

Another ingredient I'll add
next time- makeup.

OK. Now that we've prepped our filling, let's heat up a tiny bit of olive oil in a large skillet-- I classed up the joint by using a crepe pan, so just try to keep up. You want to watch for little bubbles to start to form before you flip the tortillas, just like when you're making pancakes. Once you've flipped, go ahead and turn off the burner and grab your cheese. Sprinkle a little on each tortilla and grab yourself a clean bowl. Carefully put your tortillas in the bowl and fill each one with a few spoonfuls of your corn salad. Separate them with some greens (a 10 for presentation, friends!) and add a dollop of sour cream to top 'er off.

Enjoy, with a side of awesome imperfection,
Katie

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Awesomely Imperfect Badassery

Today's post was going to be a fun recipe-- but then this happened in Atlanta: SNOW!

I was driving home from a surprisingly sane Trader Joe's (given Atlanta's tendency towards panic at even the hint of inclement weather), and I got momentarily stuck coming up the super hill into my in-law's neighborhood. And I got scared. Since I am mostly free of judging my feelings these days, I instead focused on celebrating that I didn't melt down, jump out of the car and give up, or in any other way punk out. My point? I badassed up.

My dear friend Jessica Zelenko is a life coach, career guide, snow and sport goddess, and the genius behind Becoming a Badass.

Several times this year I've thought about that phrase and about Jess' unwavering and yet beautifully imperfect journey towards her own version of badassery. The first time was on the first of the new year, while I composed a list of, well-- not so much resolutions. More like-- things I'd like to do this year. Many of these things are physical challenges, but they are also, for me mental, emotional and spiritual. For a long time, exercise was all about getting skinny, losing weight, manipulating my body to look like I thought it needed to in order for me to succeed as an actress. Only recently have I been able enjoy moving my body, getting stronger, being really active without that nutty exercise noise coming up. Again. . . my point:

This week, Husband and I are going skiing! I have never been, but it's on the list. So-- I'm posting my list and I'll be sharing my thoughts (and probably selfies) about each item I check off! I might even add things as the year goes by. Something I won't be checking off? "Judge self if list not perfectly completed in 2014".

Definitely need a fun mask like this
for when I'm an awesome ski bunny.

Things I'd like to do this year:

-Indoor rock climbing

-More trampolining (started this last year and it's so much fun!)

-Outdoor rock climbing

-Get up at 6AM every day for a week

-Skiing

-Record 3 more ukulele cover songs

-Snowboarding

-Finish and jog at least half a 5k

-Take an aerial silks/circus arts class

-Make and share 4 how-to and recipe videos

-Do a 30 day yoga challenge imperfectly and in my own way

-Write a television spec script

OK. That's it for now. Husband and I are going out to walk (read: fall on our butts) in this gorgeous, still falling, snow!

Yours, in awesome imperfection,

Katie

Update: SNOWFUNOMGIAMSOCOLD

It's like Jack Harkness as a 6 year old.

Snow love!

Snow angel-ed the crap outta this driveway!

I'm an awesome jumper!

Monday, January 27, 2014

C is for Coffee, so brew enough for me.

There is a certain elegance to teapots. I have collected them for years now-- my favorites include a petite, floral bone china pot that has a tiny chip in the spout, and a squat, jade hued iron pot with cast dragonflies (those symbolize some kind of good juju, don't they?). But for all my love of tea vessels, my true passion lies with tea's jazzed up older sister-- COFFEE.

I would eat this like Willy Wonka eats the crap outta
that edible tea flower in his chocolate factory.

Most of us a) need help pulling our shiz together to start the day and b) need some place to meet and something to hold in our hands when we have dates, meetings, freelance jobs, and/or a need to get out of the office or home at 3:30pm. But really, what's with the obsession?

Coffee is everywhere. Starbucks (in the pilot episode of Frazier, by the way) paved the path for other mega-corp shops like Coffee Bean and Caribou. Flavored lattes and blended 'cinos are available at every Dunkin' Donuts, McD's and even some grocery chains. I sometimes hashtag my Instagram photos with #coffeesofinstagram or #coffee, because for some reason, those hashtags are associated with zillions of photos. Scenes in films, webisodes and TV (Hello? "Friends"?!?) are set in coffee shops-- drink choices say something about a character that would take far too long in dialogue (of COURSE Zoolander's roomates go out for "Orange Mocha Frappucino!!!").

Those are just a few of many ways in which coffee and coffee talk (please stop and watch this clip now if you've never seen Mike Myers' Coffee Talk sketch)-- but to me, to this coffee nerd/purist/fiend, there is a simple joy in mastering a perfect at home pour over (how-to blog coming soon, hopefully!), or finding a new-to-me, independent space to work and sip (Cool Beans, on the Marietta Square in GA has saved my butt lately), or choosing a new variety of beans for my dad-in-law to cling to (last time was unsuccessful, but I'll keep trying). I worked at a coffee shop right after college, and I became highly skilled at helping people choose beans, change habits (do NOT store your beans in the freezer for heaven's sake unless you like fishstick scented joe), and slow down and enjoy their chosen brew. Sure. It made me feel super cool, and for a theater nerd, that's quite a coup, but it also made me slow down and savor the smells, sights, colors, and tastes of not just the cuppa in front of me, but also of the people sitting near me, the language of my writing, the laughter of a couple on a second date, and the feeling of belonging to a club that anyone could join if they wanted. I guess I hope that I never become a snob, about anything, but especially about coffee. I hope that I never judge someone for enjoying the latest seasonal drink over a beautifully pulled Americano. Because the coffee club should be open to all, to anyone, to everyone.

Stumptown's Gorgeous Rwanda
Mountain Huye, with hints
of butterscotch, blood orange,
lime peel, and banana. AKA- YUM.

On a less "deep thoughts from Jack Handy" note-- here are a few of my favorite coffee drinks and what you might like about them!

Americano-- an old standard of mine. Espresso and water-- bold in flavor and big on buzz, this might be a great alternative to those who love a cup of bold, black coffee. Fun fact: espresso is a term for the way the coffee is brewed, not a specific type of bean or how dark a bean is roasted. You can brew any coffee through an espresso machine if it's ground properly!

French press-- you can get a pretty decent press at places like TJMaxx or even Target if you want to give this a try. My typical brew time is about 4 minutes. If you've got a large press, be sure and pour the second cup into a mug unless you want a stronger, almost sludgy, second cup. I love to use a super citrusy morning blend for my french press lately-- something sweet, yet tangy, lemony, almost tart.

Cat-puccino? Yes, please.

Soy cappuccino-- I like to use an unsweetened soy milk with a bit of honey and cinnamon at the finish. And though usually a cappuccino is equal parts espresso, milk and foam(ed milk), I like mine super dry, which means "pile on the foam like you're making a soap bubble mountain on your sisters head in the tub when you're 4." What? No one else? Pretty sure that EVERYONE gets that reference.

Cold Brew-- I'm a gal who prefers ice cream when it's 3 degrees outside, so when I was in Mammoth this fall, I had to try Black Velvet Coffee's cold brew, despite the snowy weather. Cold brew (cold coffee brewed with no heat over a long period of time) is a great way to enjoy iced coffee that is smooth, rich and not at all acidic. This is my chocolate milk, you guys. Again-- how-to hopefully coming soon!

OK, now go! Try something new! Brew a new bean! Do it terribly! Then do it better, and tell me all about it!

Yours, in awesome imperfection,
Katie

Friday, January 17, 2014

Udi's Wins Sundance Grand Tasty Prize!

Who thought I'd get to eat a grilled cheese?!

Sundance! Full of films, filmmakers, actors, ski-bum, swag bags, and (unfortunately) an abundance of gluten. There are lots of great places to eat on Main Street in Park City, but like in my everyday life, I have to be hyper aware of the content of my
meals and how they're prepared. I've gotten pretty good at this thing (been gluten free since mid 2007), but still-- going out to eat is often a crap shoot.

Best. Email. Ever.

Enter the amazing people at Udi's!

The beautiful Tori models the menu!

As I mentioned in a previous post, the Udi's Gluten Free Table at Sundance saves. my. butt. Well! Let me tell you! They're in a gorgeous new location this year, and the food is even better than last year (didn't think that was possible). Here's just a taste (see what I did just there?!) of what we had, and expect to have, through this Sunday:

And the award goes to-- beets!

"Grilled Gruyere and Sweet Onion Grilled Cheese: Served on Udi's Millet-Chia Bread.

You GUYS. This sandwich was everything. The millet-chia is one of my favorite Udi's breads. Served with the aforementioned Ancient Grain Cheddar Chips that are, I think, made of unicorns.

Erin agrees. DELISH.

Also pictured above is the "Roasted Beet Salad: Jordan roasted beets, apples, apricots and spiced pumpkin seeds with gorgonzola and lemon cayenne dressing." I've had my share of beet salads in my day-- if it's on a menu I'll almost always order it. But the cayenne dressing and the pepitas really made this one stand apart with bright, tangy flavors and a nice crunch.

Among the other items I plan on trying this weekend are the "Vegan Chili (with a yummy Udi's dinner roll", the "Roasted Veggie Flatbread (goat cheeeeese)" and the "Veggie Breakfast Burrito (can't say no to queso fresco). Did I mention they have a "Banana and Nutella Quesadilla" and TWO types of ice cream sandwiches?! No? Well, they do.

Udi's also partnered this year with Give Back Films-- you can tweet them at @UdisGlutenFree and #giveback, and 1 tweet= $1 toward Give Back Films!

The Udi's Gluten Free Table is open Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 12:30-4. Sundancers, get there. And non-Sundancers, you can find delicious, certified gluten free Udi's products in most grocery stores nationwide!

Yours, in awesome imperfection,
Katie

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Sundancing!... or "What to wear?"

"What to wear?" and "What to see?", are the first two questions I'm asking myself (usually in that order) as I prep for my second annual trip to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT.

I cannot describe my excitement about returning to Sundance again this year! I should be able to, given that "writer" is included in the multihypenate on my business cards and website-- but I can't! Maybe I'm already shivering from the chilly weather and the image of calf-deep snow on the path to our condo. Maybe I'm just overly jazzed about which celebrities I'll bump into-- last year I drank tea next to Kerry Russell and chatted for an hour with Ricky Whittle about comedy, acting and film work and then walked next to Lil Jon('s bodyguard) for 10 minutes. You'd think, perhaps, that I'd be used to celeb sightings, since I live in LA. But no. I'm not. And I am ok with not being cool as a cucumber about a spotting. When I am famous, I hope that I affect people enough with my work that they are driven to tell me so.

Ok. So let's get back to the most important part of this whole shabang-- WHAT TO WEAR?

I always start with a grand plan to do something different-- style my hair! Wear different colors! Rock a red lip every day! But by the second or third day in the snow, the whole group reverts to "the uniform", which typically consists of a long, black wool coat, one of the 6 free ski hats we've received by that point, black skinny jeans, snow boots, Carmex lip balm and hopefully, if someone remembered to make coffee, deodorant. That's just the life of the (not)rich and (almost)famous at Sundance.

But let's just say, for shiz and giggles, that I'm gonna stick with my plan to look fab and stay warm for the whole week. Here are some outfits that I plan to bring or would love to wear at Sundance 2014. For those of you who are used to snow-- rock these looks for me while it's frosty, won't ya? And comment with your favorite cold weather looks, too! I'm not above stealing your style.

Yours, in awesome imperfection,

Katie